Hospital pressures snowball in Christmas lead-up as winter woes deepen
Severely stretched emergency departments will see no let-up over the festive period – as flu continues to spread through the community and other illnesses and injuries spike.
Frontline doctors and nurses at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group say they often see an increase in falls and alcohol-related injuries around Christmas, as well as other health issues such as gastroenteritis, heart attacks, burns and mental health conditions.
This year, there’s also the added pressure of an early flu season and resident doctors’ strikes – creating a medley of misery that is placing a strain on services.
Elaine Clancy, Group Chief Nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “Sunday officially marked the start of winter – yet our hospitals have been in the thick of it for months.
“Flu, other respiratory illnesses, and bugs including norovirus are spreading through our communities and placing a real strain on our services – and the best present you can give us this year is taking steps to avoid these and a visit to hospital.
“A huge thank-you to all of our teams who are working in such challenging circumstances at this time of year to provide compassionate care for our patients.”
Everyone can help by using the most appropriate service for their health need – whether that’s NHS 111, a pharmacy, or a GP – as well as getting vaccinated, washing their hands and staying home when unwell to stop the spread of viruses.
Christiana Hoad, Clinical Matron at Epsom Hospital’s Emergency Department, said: “While our emergency departments are really feeling the strain and are not always the most suitable place for some health issues, we also know there are people who do need us this Christmas and over winter.
“Our priority is keeping our patients safe and comfortable and providing them with the best care possible – and this doesn’t stop over the festive period.”
Dr Jane Evans, Consultant in Acute and Respiratory Medicine, St George’s Hospital, said: “We know it's not pleasant being unwell at this time of year, and when people do need to come to hospital we’ll continue to care for them – including over the bank holidays.
“But more than ever we also need everyone’s support during this busy time so we can care for our sickest patients – whether that’s getting all of your vaccines, staying at home when you have symptoms of an infectious illness, or using NHS 111 online when it’s not an emergency.”
People can get help from:
- Pharmacists: Pharmacists can advise on a range of minor illnesses and can advise if a doctor is needed. Some pharmacies will be open over Christmas – visit www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy to find out more
- NHS 111: Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for urgent medical problems – both of which are 24/7 services. Help is also available for urgent mental health concerns in south west London and Surrey by calling 111 and selecting the “mental health” option
- The NHS website: This is the UK’s biggest health website and contains advice on conditions and other important health information, such as treating burns and scalds and managing alcohol intake
The sooner people seek advice, the sooner they're likely to get better. In an emergency, always call 999 or visit an emergency department.
People can protect themselves and others by:
- Collecting prescriptions early: This reduces the risk of running out of important medicines over the festive period
- Enjoying alcohol sensibly: The recommended units per week are 14 for men and women
- Getting vaccinated: Find out how on the NHS website.
- Washing hands regularly: This helps prevent bugs like norovirus. Hand gel is not effective against this illness
- Staying home when unwell: If someone has had an illness like flu or norovirus, they should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop and disinfect surfaces
- Keeping warm: People should heat their homes to least 18C in key rooms and wrap up when going outside to reduce the risk of colds, flu, and serious health issues
- Checking on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours: Relatives and neighbours can ensure they have food, medication, and warm clothing
